Culinary Director

Soul & Smoke is seeking a Culinary Director to lead kitchen operations, foster team development, and ensure food quality/safety across multiple locations. This role partners with the Chef, office team, and kitchen staff to maintain high standards while driving efficiency and coordination in a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere. The job is based in our main location at 1601 Payne St, Evanston. We’re looking for a passionate and organized leader with strong culinary expertise, excellent communication skills, and a talent for mentoring teams. The Culinary Director will oversee daily kitchen operations, support training efforts, use software to track food costs, and contribute to menu development. They will also assist with off-site events, industry activations, and staff scheduling. Key Responsibilities: • Oversee kitchen operations across Soul & Smoke locations, maintaining clear communications and making regular visits to ensure alignment and consistency. • Train and mentor kitchen staff, maintaining high standards in food quality and execution. • Through software and ordering, help manage food costs, pricing, and inventory to optimize efficiency. • Help lead live demonstrations, new dish rollouts, and research & development for menu innovation. • Step in on the line to fill staffing gaps, provide on-site training, or assist during service/production as needed. • Help plan and execute off-site events, representing Soul & Smoke at media and industry activations. • Coordinate schedules and calendars to ensure smooth operations. Qualifications: • Multi-unit experience preferred. • Fine dining management experience with a strong culinary background. • Proficiency in food cost tracking, menu pricing, and inventory management. • Strong organizational and computer skills. • Effective communication and leadership. Professional and approachable with a passion for training and mentoring. • Flexible and dependable, with the ability to adapt to business needs. • Comfortable representing Soul & Smoke at public, client, and industry events. • Valid food manager and allergen certificates. • Ability to walk/stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 pounds. • Reliable and timely, able to work autonomously and as part of a team. • driver’s license is strongly preferred. Compensation & Benefits: • Job type:full-time, averaging 45-55 hours per week. • Base salary:$60,000 - $65,000 per year. • Revenue share:approx $10,000+ additional compensation from pooled revenue share/service charge, total compensation of $70-75k. • Benefits:Paid personal time off. Health/dental insurance (50% paid for employee, 25% for dependents), Aflac, and retirement savings plan available. About Soul & Smoke: Soul & Smoke (Evanston, Avondale, West Loop) is a collection of restaurants, two food trucks, and catering team that serve barbecue fare and comfort food from the heart. The Black-owned and women-led team at the helm of Soul & Smoke values being part of the community through thoughtful initiatives, like providing customers the option to purchase a meal for a neighbor in need and partnering with nonprofits like World Central Kitchen to feed underserved populations.